FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT SMARTLABEL™

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What is SmartLabel™?

SmartLabel™ is a tool that gives consumers a convenient way to access more detailed product information about a wide range of food, beverage, household, pet care and personal care products. It is fast and easy to use, with a consistent digital format that provides real time access to accurate product information from the manufacturer.

How does SmartLabel™ work?

Consumers will be able to find detailed information about products in several different ways. They can access SmartLabel™ by searching the web; visiting a participating company’s or brand’s website; scanning a SmartLabel™ QR code on packages; or using the SmartLabel™ Product Search on this site. In the months ahead, there will also be certified apps to access SmartLabel™ information.
People can access SmartLabel™ and its information from multiple access points: in the store, at home or work, by using a smart phone, tablet or desktop computer.

When did SmartLabel™ start?

SmartLabel™ was successfully launched in the U.S. in December, 2015 and continues to gain traction with a growing number of participating companies. In 2017 SmartLabel™ will be launched in Canada led by Food & Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC).

Who created SmartLabel™?

In the U.S., SmartLabel™ was inspired and created by a group of consumer companies and retailers formed by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) and the Food Marketing Institute called the Trading Partner Alliance (TPA). The TPA exists to develop a shared retailer-manufacturer agenda on supply chain efficiency issues, the application of information technology, the adoption of environmentally-friendly business practices and other matters of importance to consumers.
In Canada, FCPC has worked alongside the companies that make the brands Canadians use every day.

Why was SmartLabel™ created?

SmartLabel™ was created in response to consumer requests for more information about food, beverage, household, pet care and personal care products. SmartLabel™ makes it easier and more convenient for shoppers to find information about products they use and consume. There just isn’t enough room on packages to fit all that information. SmartLabel™ complements the way consumers shop today and enables them to get all the information they want in one location.

How can I access information through SmartLabel™?

Product information can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, desktop computers and mobile phones using any web browser search engine such as Google or Bing, by scanning a SmartLabel™ QR code on packages, by visiting a participating company’s or brand’s website, or by using the SmartLabel™ Product Search on this site. No special app is required. If you want to scan a SmartLabel™ QR code on the package, you can use any generic QR code reader available through the Apple App Store, Google Play Store or the Windows Phone Store. Customer Service desks at most retail stores will also help shoppers get access to SmartLabel™ information.

I don’t have a smart phone; how can I use SmartLabel™?

You don’t need a smartphone to use SmartLabel™. Because SmartLabel™ information is web-based, you can access SmartLabel™ information anywhere you can open a web browser (including a cell phone, computer or tablet.)
With an internet connection and a web browser, you can access SmartLabel™ information by using a search engine (such as Google or Bing); by visiting a participating company’s or brand’s website; or by using the SmartLabel™ Product Search on this site.

What types of product information can I get from SmartLabel™ that isn’t on the label now?

SmartLabel™ goes beyond information found on a package or label and includes more detailed information such as ingredient definitions, sourcing practices, third-party certifications, social compliance and sustainability programs, usage instructions, advisories & safe handling instructions as well as company/brand information.

What kinds of products can I use SmartLabel™ for to find ingredient information?

Consumers will be able to use SmartLabel™ to find product information on a broad range of food, beverages, personal care, household and pet care products.

How many products currently use SmartLabel™?

SmartLabel™ is in its beginning stages. More than 30 major companies have already committed to using SmartLabel™ in the U.S.
You can use SmartLabel™ Product Search on this site to find all the participating companies and brands, which will be updated frequently.

How can I find a list of products that use SmartLabel™?

Just click on “Product Search” at the top of our web site, and you can see a list of products and participating brands.

Do I have to sign up or register to use SmartLabel™?

No. Consumers do not have to sign up or register to use SmartLabel™.

Will SmartLabel™ store any personal information?

No. SmartLabel™ product information resides on each brand’s website. There is no single industry database, nor is there any industry website for data collection. Each participating SmartLabel™ brand is required to provide their company Privacy Policy in the footer of SmartLabel™ landing pages.
It is important to know that SmartLabel™ is not a medium for marketing, promotions or offers. The SmartLabel™ Implementation Guide prohibits using SmartLabel™ as a marketing tool.

Who is responsible for SmartLabel™ information?

Each company participating in SmartLabel™ is responsible for its own product information. All information found using SmartLabel™ is subject to the same rigorous regulatory requirements as a package or label.

My company wants to use SmartLabel on our products, how can we do that?